Racing Andrius

Peter: The Burdensome Dinner

My heart sank deeper the longer I waited for Andrius' response. He looked at me, his expression as unreadable as ever. 

"Am I really such a shallow person to you?" he finally said

"I... just wanted to make sure..." I said quietly

"Come on, thanks to your mother, we have plans for tonight at the Winding River. We might as well get ready to go."

I nodded halfheartedly I can never read you...how would I know if you really think of me as your friend...and not...simply the person who happens to look like your childhood best friend. Andrius walked with confidence towards the boy's dormitories leaving me a few steps behind him. I hurried to match his steps as we made our way back to our room for a quick outfit change. 

About an hour later, Andrius and I were at the parking lot. I glanced anxiously at him as we approached our cars. "I can drive the both of us in my car." I said quickly.

"Very well," Andrius said. I pressed the button on my car remote and with a beep the doors were unlocked, and we climbed inside.  I glanced in the rearview mirror at Andrius who had buckled his seatbelt and was looking outside the window. I took a deep breath and started the engine. 

I was not afraid to drive...even after the accident...but there was always something unnerving about driving someone else who is sitting in the backseat. Especially when that someone is Andrius Amadeus, the racing king, the youngest person ever who one who won the National Speed Competition and other racing championships. That feeling of longing pinched my heart once again as I thought, if only I died in place of my brother, perhaps everything would be different, and you would race again. Letting your car fly across the road like it did all those years ago and most of all hearing your laugh when you carry your trophy on the ceremony stage...

The car ride was silent as usual and until I pulled up in front of the Winding River did, I hear Andrius say, "It is a boisterous night,"

"As usual," I said with a smirk as we hopped off the car. 

"CHARLIE!" someone with an all too familiar voice shouted from the front door. 

I turned and smiled, "Hi mother." 

"Hello Mrs. Pietro," Andrius waved, and we both walked towards the front doors.

"Took you two long enough. I was beginning to think you decided not to come."

"We would never," I said, and my mother grinned She never did that to Peter... A voice whispered in my brain, but I quickly shooed it away.

We sat down at a circular table with three chairs placed around it. I decided to sit in between Andrius and my mother which I thought was not a very good idea. However, to spare myself of Mother's complaining I agreed to the seating arrangement and opened the menu. I looked up and down the all too familiar menu and decided to stick with my usual. Soon the waiter dressed formally with a white dress shirt and long black pants approached requesting for our orders. 

"I'll have the branzino," I said handing the waiter my menu

"I'll have the shrimp salad for me sir," my mother said giving him her menu

"I'll have the steak." Andrius said. 

"Your orders will be out in a minute." the waiter said with a bow then walked away

"Thank you," I said

"You are trying something new for once Charlie. You usually don't get the branzino," my mother smiled as she took a sip of her water

"Yes. It is a part of my new philosophy." I explained. Shoot. Forgot that Charlie always ordered the steak. 

"That is why I ordered his favorite," Andrius said, "That way he can switch back whenever he wishes."

"You're such a nice boy Andrius. I'm glad Charlie has you for a friend." my mother smiled, and I secretly breathed a sigh of relief and mentally noted to thank Andrius later.

"I am also grateful for having Charlie as mine." Andrius said. 

"How is the school year going for you two?"

"It's been alright," I said

"I noticed it has been a while since you showed me your report card, I hope you are still top of the class,"

"Don't worry mother," I said 

"It's a pity your brother never did as well as you." 

"It is indeed a pity. Wish I could have helped him more," I said with a sigh. 

 "You are such a good boy; your brother is lucky to have you for a sibling. He probably didn't even realize it."

I struggled to maintain my composure and regretful look. The urge to scream and tell her the truth felt like it was blocked by an invisible cloth tightening around my neck. 

"Mrs. Pietro," Andrius said placing his hand on my left thigh. I took a few minutes to calm down as Andrius spoke to my mother. 

"Yes dear,"

"I heard that the Winding River is bringing back one of their desserts."

"Really? I hope it's the cinnamon pumpkin spice scones,"

"I believe it is. It was on the bottom of the menu would you like me to tell the waiter for a portion?"

"Please do. Thank you dear."

"It's my pleasure," Andrius smiled.